Call for Pilot Projects

The Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute (TMII) is soliciting applications for pilot projects grants for the upcoming fiscal year, with a starting date of December 1, 2008. We plan to fund both 2-3 projects at $50,000-75,000 for one year. Pilot Projects will be reviewed according to research merit, innovation, significance, and feasibility. The likelihood of generating sufficient preliminary data toward applications to federal agencies will also represent an important selection criterion. Recipients of pilot project grants may be considered for seeking funding for a second year. In such cases, applications for a second year of support will be evaluated competitively with new projects, and scientific progress will be used as an additional review criterion.

The purpose of these grants is to encourage collaborative projects between researchers in different disciplines to gather initial data in the field of imaging considered broadly, that would make applications to extramural agencies more competitive. The proposals can fit within several categories, including the development of novel imaging and image analysis technologies; research of a translational nature with a focus on development or testing of new therapeutic means; assessment of novel imaging modalities in human subject or in animal models. Whenever relevant the relationships between the proposed research and its potential clinical relevance should be clearly described. These projects may have multiple or single principal investigators. However, collaborative and cross-disciplinary applications are encouraged. These projects should also represent a new translational direction for the principal investigator(s).

The application should have a face page listing the names, departments and positions of the principal investigator(s), an NIH style 2-page CVs of the principal investigator(s), and a listing of all current grant support. A budget page must be included using the standard PHS 398 (Rev.11/07) form page 4, for no more than $75,000 in direct costs. The budget period is for one year. Funds may be requested in the Personnel, Supplies, and Other categories only. Salaries for principal investigators, equipment and travel are not permitted. The proposal should describe, in no more than three pages, the specific aims and hypotheses, background, and methods. An additional page of references is permitted. Up to two relevant recent publications from the principal investigator(s) may also be included. In addition, applications seeking a second year of competitive funding should also submit a progress report of maximum two pages, a financial report, and a list of achievements and copies of new, relevant publications resulting from the first period of support.

The applications will be reviewed by a faculty committee chaired by Dr. Patrick R. Hof. If you have any questions please e-mail Drs. Zahi Fayad or Patrick R. Hof. Completed applications as PDF documents should be e-mailed to Juan Gilberto Aguinaldo by 5:00 p.m. September 15, 2008.